George Barret Jr. facts for kids
George Barret Jr. (born 1767, died 1842) was an English landscape painter. He was the son of another famous artist, George Barret Sr., who was from Ireland. George Barret Jr. is sometimes called George Barret the Younger to tell him apart from his father.
Life of a Painter
George Barret Jr. was born in London in 1767. He likely learned how to paint from his father. When he was 17, his father passed away. This meant George and his brothers and sisters had to find ways to support themselves. George was the most talented artist among them.
He started showing his paintings at the Royal Academy in London from 1800 to 1803. This is a very important art institution. In 1804, he became an early member of the Society of Painters in Water Colours. He showed his art at their exhibitions every year for 38 years!
George Barret Jr. mostly stayed in London throughout his life. He would only travel to nearby areas for sketching trips. His early paintings often showed places like the Thames Valley and the Home Counties. He also painted a few scenes from Wales.
At first, he mainly used oil paints for his detailed views of places. But after helping to start the Water-Colour Society, he began to use watercolour more often. Later, he became inspired by artists like Claude Lorrain. These artists painted beautiful, dream-like landscapes with poetic sunrises and sunsets. George Barret Jr. started creating similar romantic scenes that weren't based on real places.
Sometimes, he worked with other artists, like Joshua Cristall around 1830. In 1840, he even published a book called The Theory and Practice of Water-Colour Painting. He was a very creative painter, and his artistic skills stayed strong until the end of his life. Even though he was a great artist, he often struggled with money.
George Barret Jr. lived most of his life in Paddington, London. He passed away there on March 19, 1842. Like his father, he died without much money. He was buried in the old churchyard of St. Mary's in Paddington.
Notable Artworks
George Barret Jr. created many beautiful paintings during his life. Here are a few examples of his work:
- Lake Scene, an oil painting held by The Wilson in Cheltenham.
- Returning from Work, an oil painting at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
- Italianate Landscape with Shepherds, another oil painting at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
- View of Hampstead, London, a watercolour painting held by the Somerset Heritage Centre.
- Wooden Bridge, a watercolour painting held by the Royal Watercolour Society.
- The Sketcher, an oil painting on panel at the Manchester Art Gallery.
